Elections Code section 4004

(a)

“Small city” means a city with a population of 100,000 or less, as determined by the annual city total population rankings by the Demographic Research Unit of the Department of Finance.

(b)

“Eligible entity” means a school district or a special district.

(c)

Notwithstanding Section 1500 and 4000, an election in a small city or an eligible entity may be conducted wholly as an all-mail ballot election, subject to the following conditions:

(1)

The legislative body of the small city or the governing body of the eligible entity, by resolution, authorizes the use of mailed ballots for the election.

(2)

The election is a special election to fill a vacancy in the legislative body or governing body.

(3)

The election is not held on the same date as a statewide primary or general election.

(4)

The election is not consolidated with any other election.

(5)

The return of voted mail ballots is subject to Section 3017.

Source: Section 4004, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=ELEC§ionNum=4004.­ (updated Jul. 19, 2005; accessed Sep. 22, 2025).

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Verified:
Sep. 22, 2025

§ 4004's source at ca​.gov